There’s lots to do around the region this weekend

The weather gods tell us it will be dry and sunny (with some rain in between) this weekend so make the most of it by attending one of the many super events taking place around the region!

Kilbeggan Races and Best Dressed Lady Competition

Saturday 8 August starting 5:30pm

The Racecourse, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath

Visit Kilbeggan this Saturday for an evening of racing and fashion. This year’s Best Dressed Lady Competition takes place this Saturday evening. 1st Prize is a three-night trip to New York to be styled by Irish designer Jacqueline Quinn. The winner will receive €2500 of custom clothing and €500 of Zack Lo designer shoes.

Email racing@kilbeggan-races.com or phone 057 933 2176 for details

Midland Draught Horse Society’s All Horse Hay Making Event

Saturday 8 August starting 2pm

Paddy Egan’s Farm, Glanmore, Kenagh, Co. Longford

The Midland Draught Horse Society present their 5th annual hay-making event. Special guests are Declan Nerney and TV presenter Ryan Dior. Traditional music, horseshoe throwing, carriage driving, a wheel wright demo and much more will feature. Enquire at 087 215 7608 or 087 624 8545.

Wild Words Children’s Book Festival

Saturday & Sunday, 8 & 9 August daily

Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Westmeath

The Wild Words Children’s Book Festival is an annual event to celebrate young

writers and readers all around Ireland. Workshops and events suitable for 4 - 18 year olds will take place around Carrick to encourage an interest in reading and writing.From storytelling aboard the Moon River and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party to talks and workshops for budding young writers, Wild Words caters to every age group.

An anthology of poems and short stories by Irish teenagers will be launched by Ray D’Arcy on Saturday evening. Visit www.wildwords.ie for a full programme of events and booking details.

Mohill Bluegrass Festival

Saturday & Sunday, 8 & 9 August daily

Mohill, Co. Longford

The festival kicks off in O’Brien’s Tavern on Friday 7 August at 9:30pm with the Down & Out Bluegrass Band. From 2pm to 9pm there will be performances in O’Brien’s Tavern from the Down & Out Bluegrass Band, Jig Jam and The Cat’s Meow. At 8pm there will be a mass with bluegrass gospel music in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, followed by music in O’ Brien’s and John James Bar.

On Sunday morning at 11am there will be a morning service with gospel music inSt Mary’s Church of Ireland. At 2pm there’ll be a bluegrass session in Aras Carolan.

The rest of Sunday’s performances will take place in O’Brien’s Tavern.

Lemonade & Lollipops fundraiser for Temple Street Children’s Hospital

Saturday 8 August, 11am to 5pm

Tesco, Longford Shopping Centre, Co. Longford

‘Lemonade & Lollipops’ stands will be popping up in Tesco stores across the country in a bid to raise vital funds for Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, Tesco’s charity of the year. Customers are invited to enjoy a cup of lemonade and a lollipop in their local Tesco store in return for a small donation to the children’s hospital.

Mick Flavin 28th Anniversary Concert

Saturday 8 August starting 11:30pm

Park House Hotel, Edgeworthstown

Celebrating 28 years in showbusiness, country icon Mick Flavin will perform with his band this Saturday. The Drumlish man will be joined on the night by Karen Gilroy, who will launch her new album ‘The 1 That Plays the Music’. As if that wasn’t enough, there will also be an open jiving competition on the night.

Tullamore Show & AIB National Livestock Show

Sunday 9 August starting 8:30am

Church Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

The Tullamore Show attracts over 60,000 with an extensive range of events, including AIB National Livestock competitions, over 650 stands, entertainment, artisan foods, cookery demonstrations, crafts, fashion shows, rare breed animals, photography, farm skills, equestrian, vintage machinery, pets corner, live music and kids area:something for all of the family. Visit www.tullamoreshow.com for details.

Ballymore Beach Party

Sunday 9 August 3pm onward

Creegan’s Pub, Bunlahy, Ballinalee, Co. Longford

Ballymore Ladies GAA are holding a free-entry Summer Beach Party in Creegan’s this

Sunday. There is a €500 Sun Holiday voucher to be won on the night, and prizes will be given to the Best Dressed Beach Babe and Best Dressed Beach Hunk. There will be a Fancy Dress Children’s Disco 3-4pm and live music with V3 from 4pm onwards.

5K Rosie Run for Motor Neurone Disease

Sunday 9 August, registration from 11:45am, taking place at 1:30pm.

St. Brigid’s Community Centre, Lough Gowna, Co. Cavan

The annual fun run in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association was postponed due to a bereavement and will now take place this Sunday, 9 August.

Refreshments will be served in the community centre at the conclusion. Please attend to support this worthy cause.

Fun Day for Temple Street Children’s Hospital

Sunday 9 August, 12 noon.

Annaduff GAA Park, Annaduff, Co. Leitrim

Temple Street Children’s Hospital family fun day will take place at Annaduff GAA Park. There’s no bun too small and no cake too tall, this is a good cause so please turn out one and all. Please leave all baked goods to Annaduff GAA Park before 12 noon.

Contact Aine Cox on 086 313 4845 for further information.